Calluses and Corns: Protective Padding

Topic Overview

A variety of pads may be used to treat or prevent
calluses and corns. Protective padding cushions the
callus or corn or holds the foot and toes in a more comfortable position so
that calluses or corns do not develop.

You can purchase protective padding in different sizes and shapes, or
purchase sheets of material that you cut to fit your needs.

Moleskin is a soft fabric with a thin layer of felt
attached to a sticky backing. It is used most often on the feet to protect the
skin from rubbing against footwear or against itself. It can also help cushion
the feet.

For smaller calluses and corns, cut a circle out
of the moleskin and then cut the center out of the circle so you have a
doughnut-shaped pad. Place the sticky backing on your skin so that the callus
or corn is in the doughnut "hole" and the pad surrounds it.

For
larger calluses on the ball of the foot, use protective padding. Position the
pad so that it extends to the edge of the callus but does not cover the callus.
This can be done for one or more calluses with one pad. This pad transfers
weight away from the callus. This pad is often known as a metatarsal
pad.

Other pads that may be used for calluses and corns include:

Toe separators, which keep toes from
rubbing together. They are used to prevent soft corns.

Toe crest pads, which relieve pressure and friction and help prevent toes from
rubbing together.

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